Since drug addiction remains a growing issue within the United States, addiction intervention
has become more popular since drug use can cause serious emotional and
physical damage. With early intervention, your teen can be prevented
from permanent damage as a result of a chronic addiction.
Step 1: Recognize the Signs and Symptoms
Sometimes
being able to recognize addictions in a teen may be challenging since
the signs are not always seen by the people closest to him. Common
symptoms and warning signs can include having mood swings, poor hygiene,
appearing to be withdrawn, being short tempered and irrational, violent
behavior. Problems like tardiness, falling grades or a suspension are
also signs. Minor house rule infractions like ignoring curfew and issues
with legal rules, like getting a DUI, can also be an indicator that
there is an addiction issue. Finally, if drug paraphernalia is found, it
is almost a sure sign that there is a drug or alcohol addition present.
Step 2: Verify the Problem
The
first step toward planning an intervention is investigating the
situation. Without being critical, talk to your teen about how he is
doing. Arrange to go out and have lunch at a neutral place. Keep the
discussion open and encourage your teen to let you know about anything
that may be bothering him. Do this casually so as not to create
suspicion or a break in communication. The object is to have the best
communication with your teen that you can.
Step 3: Check with School, Friends and Counselors
Talk
with your teen's school about his school record. Verify that recent
grades presented are accurate. Ask teachers if they have noticed
anything out of the ordinary occurring with your teen. Do not let on
that you think there may be a problem, as you should not embarrass your
teen. Just let people know that you are being a responsible parent and
finding out how things are going. Take a good look at your teen's
friends. If any of them seem different or secretive, make a note about
it to check into.
Step 4: Keep a Record
Make notes
about what you see going on with your teen. Keep your record in a safe,
private space. Write down what you find out as time goes on. Watch your
teen carefully and make a daily log about activities and things that
don't appear to be quite normal.
Step 5: Discuss Your Concerns
Discuss
concerns about your teen to your partner. Use your notes and intuition
to guide you with this conversation. Arrange to see your teen's school
counselor. Discuss your findings and ask what she suggests. Sometimes,
school counselors can offer referrals. Indicate that you feel it is time
for an intervention. Review any information that you get from the
school counselor with your partner.
Step 6: Plan and Conduct the Intervention
Contact
a local drug rehab to speak with a trained professional. Check with
several facilities and compare notes about offerings, costs and success
rates. You must have a facility at the ready once the intervention takes
place. If you delay this, the intervention may not be successful and it
can trigger a pre-drug rehab binge for your teen. Follow the directions
given by your chosen facility to conduct the intervention.
How to Stage a Drug or Alcohol Addiction Intervention for Your Teen
